Spa including thermoelectric module for providing cooling of beverages

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a spa comprising a spa wall, a bar top region disposed on top of the spa wall, a cup holder disposed in the bar top region and a thermoelectric module for cooling the bar top region so that a beverage disposed within the cup holder remains cool, wherein the thermoelectric module is in thermal contact with the bar top region

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly relates to spas, hot tubs and pools (hereinafter “spas”), and more particularly to a spa including a thermoelectric module for providing cooling of beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spas characteristically employ hot water, air jets and/or water jets as a therapeutic medium. The use of heat presents a problem for some spa users in which excess pressure is placed on the operation of the heart and total vascular system. Some spa users require warmth for therapy but cannot withstand the heat over their entire body. Typical ways for preventing overheating include putting only a particular body area in the spa at a given time, and repeatedly going into and out of the spa. However, most spa users do not want to put only an arm or leg in the spa at a time. Additionally, exposure to temperature extremes when repeatedly going into and out of the spa can result in overstressing the immune system.

Another way to prevent overheating while in a hot spa is by drinking a cool beverage. However, when a cooled beverage is brought into a hot environment, the heat from the spa tends to quickly raise the temperature of the cool beverage to approach the temperature within the spa. Conventional thermally insulating cup holders may be used to increase the time that a beverage stays cool. However, such thermally insulating cup holders only delay the inevitable increase in beverage temperature.

In view of the above, there exists a need for a spa featuring the ability to lower the temperature of a bar top region having one or more cup holders for cooling beverages disposed in the cup holders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a spa featuring the ability to lower the temperature of a bar top region having one or more cup holders for cooling beverages disposed in the cup holders.

The present invention provides a spa including a thermoelectric module for cooling or heating a specific area on a spa bar top. For example, the bar top may feature one or more cup holders that are cooled or heated using the thermoelectric modules. The thermoelectric device preferably comprises a Peltier device for either cooling or heating the bar top including the cup holders. The Peltier device may be in direct contact with the bar top or may be thermally connected to the bar top via an external coil that is in contact with the bar top. Advantageously, the thermoelectric module of the invention allows a user to enjoy a cooled beverage while in a hot spa. Alternatively, the thermoelectric module may be employed to heat the bar top to allow a user to enjoy a heated beverage, for example while in a cool spa.

One aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a spa wall, a bar top region disposed on top of the spa wall, a cup holder disposed in the bar top region and a thermoelectric module for cooling the bar top region so that a beverage disposed within the cup holder remains cool, wherein the thermoelectric module is in thermal contact with the bar top region. The thermoelectric module may be contoured to substantially match a contour of the spa wall. According to some embodiments, the thermoelectric module also provides heating for the bar top region so that a beverage disposed within the cup holder remains hot.

According to a preferred implementation of the invention, the thermoelectric module comprises a thermally conductive plate for contacting the bar top region, a thermally conductive block for housing an electrical switch and a Peltier device in thermal communication with the thermally conductive block and the thermally conductive plate. The electrical switch is designed to switch the Peltier device between a cooling device and a heating device by reversing the current in the device.

Another aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a spa wall, a bar top region disposed on top of the spa wall, a cup holder disposed in the bar top region and a thermoelectric module for cooling the bar top region so that a beverage disposed within the cup holder remains cool, wherein the thermoelectric module is employed to cool a water bladder containing water and the cooled water is delivered to the bar top region. The thermoelectric module may include a thermally conductive plate in thermal communication with the water bladder. Alternatively, the thermally conductive plate may be in contact with a bottom plate of the beverage housing for direct transfer of heat. According to other embodiments, the thermoelectric module may include an external coil in thermal communication with the water within the water bladder. As a further alternative, the external coil may be wrapped around the beverage housing. A pump may be employed for moving the cooled water through a hose to the bar top region.

A further aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a spa wall, a bar top region disposed on top of the spa wall, a plurality of cup holders integral with the bar top region and a plurality of thermoelectric modules for cooling the bar top region so that a beverage disposed within the cup holder remains cool. The spa further comprises a plurality of spa areas, wherein one cup holder is provided for each spa area. According to a preferred implementation, the bar top region is substantially circular and the plurality of thermoelectric modules are disposed around an outer circumference of the bar top region. According to the some embodiments of the invention, the bar top region is continuous such that the entire bar top region is cooled simultaneously. According to other embodiments the bar top region is divided into a plurality of sections, wherein each section is selectively and independently cooled.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated from review of the following detailed description of the invention, along with the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is a schematic representation of a thermoelectric module for cooling or heating an object;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred thermoelectric module for cooling or heating a localized area of a spa, in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a preferred spa including thermoelectric modules for providing localized cooling and/or heating of a bar top region, in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the preferred spa of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a thermoelectric module being used to cool a water bladder so that the cooled water may be delivered to the bar top region of a spa, in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative spa including thermoelectric modules for providing localized cooling and/or heating of the bar top region, in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an external coil that is in thermal communication with a cup holder of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an external cool in thermal communication with a bottom surface of a cup holder of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a thermoelectric plate in thermal communication with a bottom surface of a cup holder of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “present invention” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

Peltier devices are small solid-state devices that function as both heaters and coolers. Such devices are from a family of solid-state devices known as thermoelectric modules. A typical unit is a few millimeters thick by a few millimeters to a few centimeters square that comprises a sandwich formed by two ceramic plates with an array of small Bismuth Telluride Bi₂Te₃ cubes (“couples”) in between. When a DC current is applied, heat is moved from one side of the Peltier device to the other, whereby the heat may be removed with a heatsink. The “cold” side is commonly used to cool electronic devices such as microprocessors or photodetectors. When the current is reversed, the device makes an excellent heater.

Thermoelectric modules employ appropriately doped semiconductor materials (e.g., Bismuth Telluride) that have been suitably doped to provide individual blocks or elements having distinct “N” and “P” characteristics. Other suitable thermoelectric materials include Lead Telluride (PbTe), Silicon Germanium (SiGe), and Bismuth-Antimony (Bi—Sb) alloys. Bismuth Telluride-based thermoelectric modules are designed primarily for cooling or combined cooling and heating applications, wherein electrical power creates a temperature difference across the module. Since thermoelectric modules are solid-state components, they have no moving parts to wear out, and are considered to be highly reliable components.

Thermoelectric modules such as Peltier devices are not meant to serve larger applications such as room air conditioners. Rather, they are best suited for smaller cooling applications, although they may be suitable for applications as large as portable picnic-type coolers. Peltier devices may be stacked to achieve lower temperatures. In certain applications, Peltier devices are not very efficient and can draw amps of power. However, this disadvantage is more than offset by a number of Peltier device advantages, including, but not limited to: (1) having no moving parts; (2) having no Freon refrigerant; (3) producing substantially no noise; (4) producing substantially no vibration; (5) having a very small size; (6) having a relatively long life; and (7) being capable of precision temperature control.

FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is a schematic representation of a thermoelectric module 102 comprising a Peltier device that may be employed to cool or heat an object 104. The thermoelectric module 102 includes a plurality of semiconductor pellets 106, wherein adjacent pellets 106 are of opposite semiconductor type. In other words, every other pellet 106 a is P-type semiconductor material, while the intervening pellets 106 b are N-type semiconductor material. Adjacent pellets 106 are connected by electrically conductive members 108 to form a series circuit, the ends of which are connected to the terminals of a DC voltage source 110. The electrically conductive members 108 contact electrically insulating substrate panel 112, which contacts the object 104 to be cooled. Similarly, the electrically conductive members 108 contact an electrically insulating substrate panel 114, which contacts a heat sink 116. A ventilation device such as a fan can be utilized to remove heat from the heat sink 116.

When current from the DC voltage source 110 flows from one of the conductive strips 108 into a P-type pellet 106 a or from an N-type pellet 106 b into one of the conductive strips 108, heat is given off into the surroundings. When current from the DC voltage source 110 flows from one of the P-type pellets 106 a into one of the conductive strips 108 or from one of the conductive strips 108 into an N-type pellet 106 b, heat is absorbed from the surroundings. Thus, the thermoelectric module 102 absorbs heat from its surroundings through a first substrate panel 112 and releases heat to its surroundings through a second substrate panel 114.

Since the first substrate panel 112 of the Peltier device 102 is contacting a localized area of the object 104, the semiconductor pellets 106 absorb heat from the object 104, thereby cooling the object 104. Likewise, since the second substrate panel 114 is contacting the heat sink 116, the semiconductor pellets 106 transfer heat to the heat sink. As depicted in FIG. 1, the current flows in a clockwise path from the positive terminal of the voltage source 110, through the Peltier device 102, and to the negative terminal of the voltage source 110. If the voltage source 110 is reversed so that the current flows in a counterclockwise path, heat would be absorbed through the second substrate panel 114 and released through the first substrate panel 112, thereby heating the localized area of the object 104.

Referring to FIG. 2, a preferred thermoelectric module 140 for cooling or heating a localized area of a spa comprises a thermally conductive plate 144 for contacting the spa, an insulating material 148 having a cutout 152, a thermally conductive block 156 for housing an electrical switch 158, a Peltier device 162 in thermal communication with the block 156 and plate 144, an insulating gasket 166 dimensioned to fit within the cutout 152, a heatsink 170 and a ventilation device 174. By way of example, the thermally conductive plate 144 may comprise a 3 mm Aluminum plate that may be pre-cut to any shape and size. A suitable material for the insulating material 148 comprises polystyrene foam. The Peltier device 162 may comprise any conventional solid-state Peltier device that preferably functions as both a localized cooler and heater for a spa. The electrical switch 158 is provided for switching the Peltier device 162 between a cooling device and a heating device by reversing the current within the device.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the thermally conductive block 156 includes threaded apertures (not shown) for receiving threaded screws 186 for attachment of the plate 144 to one side of the block 156. The Peltier device 162 is disposed on the opposite side of the block 156, and is connected to a DC voltage source via wires 190. A heatsink compound 192 may be applied to both sides of thermally conductive block, as well as to an inner surface 196 of the thermally conductive plate 144. The insulating gasket 166 includes a cutout 194 dimensioned to receive the Peltier device 162. A suitable material for the insulating gasket 166 comprises high density foam. The heatsink 170 and ventilation device 174 are attached to the thermally conductive block 156 by way of threaded screws 198 that are received by corresponding threaded apertures 202 within the block 156. The ventilation device 174 may comprise a 12V fan including a finger guard 206 that is attached to the ventilation device 174 and heatsink 170 by way of fasteners 210.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spa 220 includes spa areas 224 a, 224 b, 224 c, 224 d for a plurality of spa users, a spa wall 226, and a bar top region 228 on top of the spa wall 226 having cup holders 232 a, 232 b, 232 c, 232 d disposed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, one cup holder 232 a, 232 b, 232 c, 232 d is provided for each spa area 224 a, 224 b, 224 c, 224 d such that a spa user may enjoy a cooled (or heated) beverage while relaxing or receiving treatment in the spa 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the spa wall 226 and bar top region 228 are depicted as being circular. However, as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the spa wall 226 and bar top region 228 may comprise any other shape (e.g., square, rectangular, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, one or more thermoelectric modules 140, such as described with respect to FIG. 2, are employed to provide cooling or heating of the bar top region 228 such that the cup holders 232 a, 232 b, 232 c, 232 d may cool or heat beverages during normal spa usage. The bar top region 228 and integral cup holders 232 a, 232 b, 232 c, 232 d preferably comprise a thermally conductive material such as Aluminum. Of course, the bar top region and integral cup holders may comprise other thermally conductive materials without departing from the scope of the invention.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the bar top region 228 a plurality of thermoelectric modules 140 are disposed around the outer circumference of the bar top region 228. The thermoelectric modules 140 are preferably attached to the bar top region 228 such that the thermally conductive plate 144 (see FIG. 2) is substantially in contact with the outer circumference of the bar top region 228 such that heat may be conducted therebetween. The thermally conductive plate may be contoured to substantially match the contour of the bar top region 228. In the illustrated embodiment, the bar top region 228 is continuous such that the entire region may be either cooled or heated depending upon the requirements of the spa users. Alternatively, the bar top region may be divided into a plurality of sections, wherein each section may be selectively and independently cooled or heated depending upon the requirements of individual spa users. For example, a spa user located in spa area 224 b may want a cold beverage, while a spa user located in spa area 224 d may want a heated beverage. In this case, the bar top region 228 may be employed to cool a beverage within cup holder 232 b and heat a beverage within cup holder 232 d. The other cup holders 232 a, 232 c may be cooled, heated, or maintained at room temperature. Although the spa

In accordance with the invention, a spa that features thermoelectric modules for cooling or heating cup holders disposed within a bar top region advantageously allows spa users to selectively cool or heat their beverages. Since spas typically employ hot water or air, the thermoelectric modules may be used to cool the bar top region to allow the spa users to enjoy a cold beverage to provide an internal cooling effect. For spas that feature cold water, the current within the thermoelectric module may be reversed to heat the bar top region to allow the spa users to enjoy a hot beverage to provide an internal heating effect. Preferably, the thermoelectric modules described herein are highly energy efficient, virtually silent, and experience substantially no condensation in the operable temperature range.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a thermoelectric module 140 may be employed to cool or heat a water bladder 240, so that the cooled or heated water may be delivered to the bar top region 242 of a spa 244. In this embodiment, the bar top region 242 is hollow such that the cooled or heated water in the water bladder 240 may be pumped into the bar top region 242 for cooling or heating beverages within the cup holders 252 a, 252 b, 252 c, 252 d. Suitable materials for the water bladder 240 include poly vinyl carbonate (PVC) and polyurethane (PU). The thermoelectric module 140 may be attached to the water bladder 240 using an adhesive such as glue. As described above with respect to FIG. 2, the thermoelectric module 140 comprises a thermally conductive plate 144 for contacting the water bladder 240, a Peltier device 162 in thermal communication with the plate 144, a heatsink 170 and a ventilation device 174.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thermoelectric module 140 is attached to the water bladder 240 such that the thermally conductive plate 144 is in contact with the water bladder 240. In operation, the thermally conductive plate 144 is employed to either cool or heat water (or other fluid) within the water bladder 240. According to another embodiment of the invention, the thermoelectric module 140 may include an external coil instead of the thermally conductive plate 144 that is in thermal communication with the Peltier device 162, wherein the external coil is provided in direct contact with the water or other fluid within the water bladder 240. Once the fluid within the water bladder 240 reaches a desired temperature, the water may be transferred using a pump 250 to move fluid through a hose 254 and into the bar top region 242 on top of the spa wall 246. An additional hose 262 is provided for returning the fluid to the water bladder 240.

Referring to FIG. 6, the spa 244 comprises a plurality of spa areas 260 a, 260 b, 260 c, 260 d, wherein each spa area is provided with an associated cup holder 252 a, 252 b, 252 c, 252 d in thermal communication with the cooled or heated bar top region 242. More particularly, the thermoelectric module 140 is employed for cooling or heating the water bladder 240 for providing cooled or heated water to be pumped into the bar top region 242. In this manner, a spa user located in one of spa areas 260 a, 260 b, 260 c, 260 d may enjoy a cooled or heated beverage while relaxing or receiving therapeutic treatment within the spa 244.

Referring to FIG. 7, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the thermoelectric module includes an external coil 272 that is in thermal communication with a cup holder 252 within the spa for cooling (or heating) a beverage disposed within the cup holder 252. In particular, the external coil 272 may be wrapped around the cup holder 252 as depicted in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the external cool 272 may be disposed underneath the cup holder 252 such that the external coil is in thermal communication with a bottom surface 274 of the cup holder 252. Referring to FIG. 9, as a further alternative, the thermoelectric plate 144 of the thermoelectric module may be disposed underneath the cup holder 252 in thermal communication with the bottom surface 274 of the cup holder 252.

Thus, it is seen that a spa including a thermoelectric module for providing cooling and heating of beverages is provided. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the various embodiments and preferred embodiments, which are presented in this description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. It is noted that equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this description may practice the invention as well. 

1. A spa, comprising: a spa wall; a bar top region disposed on top of the spa wall; a cup holder disposed within the bar top region; and a thermoelectric module for cooling the bar top region so that a beverage disposed within the cup holder remains cool.
 2. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module is in thermal contact with the bar top region.
 3. The spa of claim 2, wherein the thermoelectric module is contoured to substantially match a contour of the spa wall.
 4. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module also provides heating for the bar top region so that a beverage disposed within the cup holder remains hot.
 5. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module comprises a Peltier device.
 6. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module comprises: a thermally conductive plate for contacting the bar top region; a thermally conductive block for housing an electrical switch; and a Peltier device in thermal communication with the thermally conductive block and the thermally conductive plate.
 7. The spa of claim 6, wherein the electrical switch is designed to switch the Peltier device between a cooling device and a heating device by reversing the current in the device.
 8. The spa of claim 1, wherein: the thermoelectric module is employed to cool a water bladder containing water; and the cooled water is delivered to a localized region of the spa.
 9. The spa of claim 8, wherein the localized region comprises the bar top region.
 10. The spa of claim 8, wherein the thermoelectric module includes a thermally conductive plate in thermal communication with the water bladder.
 11. The spa of claim 8, wherein the thermoelectric module includes an external coil in thermal communication with the water within the water bladder.
 12. The spa of claim 8, further comprising a pump for moving the cooled water through a hose to the localized area.
 13. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module includes an external coil that is in thermal communication with the cup holder.
 14. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module includes a thermoelectric plate that is in thermal communication with the cup holder.
 15. A spa, comprising: a spa wall; a bar top region disposed on top of the spa wall; a plurality of cup holders integral with the bar top region; and a plurality of thermoelectric modules for cooling the bar top region so that a beverage disposed within the cup holder remains cool.
 16. The spa of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of spa areas, wherein one cup holder is provided for each spa area.
 17. The spa of claim 15, wherein the bar top region and integral cup holders comprise a thermally conductive material.
 18. The spa of claim 17, wherein the thermally conductive material comprises Aluminum.
 19. The spa of claim 15, wherein each thermoelectric module comprises: a thermally conductive plate for contacting the bar top region; a thermally conductive block for housing an electrical switch; and a Peltier device in thermal communication with the thermally conductive block and the thermally conductive plate.
 20. The spa of claim 15, wherein the bar top region is continuous such that the entire bar top region is cooled simultaneously.
 21. The spa of claim 15, wherein: the bar top region is divided into a plurality of sections; and each section may be selectively and independently cooled. 